Improvement in cigar-cutters



F. FUNKE.

Improvement in Cigar-Cutters.

N0. 128,481, Patent-edluly 2,1872.

Michigan, have invented a new and useful Imof reference marked thereon and being a part desired and uniform lengths, and for splitting FREDERICK EUNKE, 0E DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

IMPFIQVEMENT IN ClGAR-CUTTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 128,481, dated July 2, 1872.

To whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK FUNKE, of Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of provement in Cigar-Trimming Machines; and I do declare that the following is a true and accurate description thereof, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawingand to the letters of this specification, in which my invention is shown in perspective.

The nature of this invention relates to the construction of a device for cutting off the ends of cigars, so that the latter will be of any the ends as they are cut off. vThe invention consists in the construction and operation of a peculiar spring, by means of which the splitting-knife is kept clear, and in the combination of the various parts, as hereinafter more fully set forth.

In the accompanying drawing, A represents a bed-plate provided with .groove a to receive the cigar, gauge ZJ to measure its length, and slide d, against which it rests while being cut off to the desired length. To the end of the bed-plate is secured the cutting-plate B, the cuttingedge h of which is semicircular or nearly so in form, tol conform generally to the shape of a cigar. Pivoted to the plate B at k is the cutting-knife C, which is held in position for successful operation by the set-screw m and slot n. A wire, o, is inserted in the groove p in the side of the bed-plate, and secured at the rear end of the same in such a manner that the wire cannot be turned in the groove. The front end of the wire is then bent at right angles with its length, and at an upward inclination, so that when the knife C is elevated, as shown in the drawing, the end of the wire will rest against the lower edge of the cuttingknife plate, as shown. When the knife is depressed, in use, the pressure being released, the torsion of the wire will throw the knife up, ready for a succeeding operation. D is a small cutting-blade secured by the screw r to the cutting-knife plate, and projecting at right angles from the same. The object of attaching this knife by a set-screw is to enable it to be removed for sharpening or other purposes. E is a small knee-plate, secured by screws to the plate B, and is designed for the projecting end of the cigar to rest upon while the knives are cutting off said projecting end. When the tobacco is damp it will frequently cling to the "splitting-blade D, and must bcremoved by hand in the ordinary machines. To obviate this necessity I employ a clearing-spring, s, which is secured at its lower end; and it is provided with a bend, as at u, while its upper end terminates near ythe side-of the blade D. This spring is so arranged that when the knife B is elevated the bend u will rest against the wire o, thereby causing the upper end of the spring to approach the center ofthe length of the blade D. When the knife B is depressed the upper end of said spring will rest against the blade B and out of the way. The slide d is a thin strip of sheet metal, and its inner end is provided with a downward-projecting lip, t, fitting the groove in which it rests. The head or tip of the cigar rests against this lip while being measured and trimmed, unless the cigar is a very large one. When larger cigars than common are being made, so that their tips would rest above the top of the slide, the same may be reversed, vso that the lip will project upward and furnish a rest against which the tip or head of the cigars will not be broken.

I am aware that in devices for the purposes described springs of various kinds are employed to throw up the blade C, andthat cutters D are used. These latter are, however, rigidly attached to the blade D, so that they cannot be removed. I disclaim any part of their invention, for the reason that said springs are very liable to fail, and that the splittingblades cannot be removed for sharpening.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In cigar-trimmin g machines, the combination of the movable knife C and the wire spring o, when both are constructed, arranged, and operated substantially as and for the purposes set forth'.

2. In cigar-trimming machines, a clearing device for the blade D, substantially as set forth.

v FREDERICK FUNKE. Witnesses:

H. S. SPRAGUE, MYRON H. CHURCH. 

